Direct Talk - Season 5 / Year 2020

Bertrand Piccard was the first man to fly around the world in a solar powered plane. He explains what that achievement means for the future of clean energy.

Heatherwick Studio is known for ingenious installations and extraordinary buildings. Its founder, designer Thomas Heatherwick shares his secrets and talks about its plans for Tokyo's Minato Ward.

Air pollution is causing health problems in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital. We speak with former Mongolian Minister of the Environment, Oyun Sanjaasuren, on its causes and solutions.

Apichatpong Weerasethakul directed "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives," winning at Cannes in 2010. He connects memories of oneself with society and politics, and is now focusing on Colombia.

Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus won a Nobel Prize for creating a microcredit system for the poor. We speak to him about his new endeavor, "social business," that has him traveling the world.

Jokha Alharthi, the first Man Booker International Prize winner writing in Arabic, is also the first female Omani novelist translated into English. What message does her work have for today's world?

The Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Breweries have been producing sake for over 260 years. We speak with president Takenosuke Yasufuku about how his firm makes sake with huge appeal both in Japan and worldwide.

Tomohiko Izutsu was on a path to work in space science research, but he changed course, and is now dedicated to revitalizing rural communities through space-themed events. What drives his mission?

In 2019, Sueko Nakamura directed a documentary about young women in Japan who've been in trouble with the law. She herself had a troubled adolescence that included time in a juvenile detention center.

Shin-ai-Juku is a Japanese NPO that's been providing support for foreigners living in Japan for over 40 years. Chief Director Mariko Takekawa talks about what's happening on the ground.

Kenichi Noguchi is a farmer who grows lotus plants. His lotus roots sell for $50 each, and are served in fancy restaurants the world over. We ask Noguchi what makes his lotus root so amazing.

Ryusen Hamono has developed a steak knife with excellent sharpness that has been carefully designed to be safe to use. President Koji Masutani talks about the work that went into crafting the blade.

Chi-chi Nwanoku is a world-famous double bassist from London and is founder of the Chineke! Orchestra, the first classical orchestra in Europe to be made up of majority black and minority ethnic musicians.

The next-generation transportation service called MaaS, is rapidly expanding worldwide. How will it change our lifestyle? Its founder, Sampo Hietanen, talks about the mobility future he envisages.

António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, faces a new phase for the UN at its 75th anniversary in 2020. In the exclusive interview, he discusses the challenges and vision into the future.

Pianist Gohei Nishikawa was diagnosed with focal dystonia as an adult. Unable to use 3 fingers on his left hand, he performs using his other 7. How did he find his way back to the piano?

Levison Wood is a British explorer who traveled through 13 countries in the Middle East. He wants to challenge stereotypes about a region which is often presented negatively in the news.

For years, Keiko Itabashi has hosted a radio show about disaster preparedness in Miyagi Prefecture, an area that suffered grave damage in Japan's 3.11 disaster. What lessons does she have for her audience?

Hiroki Iwasa grows high-end strawberries in Miyagi Prefecture -- a region that was hit hard by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. How is he revitalizing the local economy and agricultural industry?

We talk with photographer Lekima Hung about his history and passion capturing and exhibiting photographs of marine plastic waste pollution in Vietnam to raise awareness about the issue.

Eko Supriyanto is Indonesia's leading choreographer and dancer. In February 2020, he received praise on a piece including female dancers from a divided Timor. Performances are planned around the world.

The seas of Fukushima Prefecture were gravely harmed by the 2011 nuclear disaster and its aftermath. For the past 9 years, Riken Komatsu has worked tirelessly to restore them and related industries.

Nihon Homespun blends silk, cotton, synthetic fibers and traditional washi paper into their sought-after wool fabrics. President Kanji Kikuchi talks about the homespun textile tradition.

Yi Seung-Jun is a South Korean documentary filmmaker. He talks about his motivations and the feedback for his recent short film about the ferry disaster which was nominated for the Academy Award.

Tourism is a vital source of income for Laos in Southeast Asia. A woman is now producing an entirely new form of tourism, agritourism, while keeping in mind how to improve the livelihood of farmers.

Anna Fasano is the president of Banca Etica in Italy. It finances projects meeting a strict ethical standard for the environment, human rights and social principles as it aims to change the world.

Renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp discusses her new book, which delves into her philosophy of aging and highlights the importance of moving our bodies to maximize our potential, whatever our age.

Yoshihiko Ishikawa has ascended to the elite ranks of the world's ultramarathon runners. He tells us how he got involved in this intense sport, and how he managed to rise to the top.

Myanmar in southeast Asia suffers from a lack of safe drinking water. Hisafumi Shogi works with locals to develop the water supply infrastructure. He talks about the road so far, and what lies ahead.

Hoang Yen Vo is a Vietnamese rights advocate. The center she runs helps people with disability, not for their physical needs, but their well-being. Her goal is to see them thrive however they live.

As Artificial Intelligence becomes part of our daily life, have we considered the ethical pitfalls? Computer scientist Sir Nigel Shadbolt on the new Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University.

Professor Alan Dangour is pioneering a new approach at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to examine the impact of our changing diet on population health and on the planet itself.

Chef Sean Sherman revives the wisdom of his ancestors by applying Native American ingredients to modern cuisine. As an educator he uses food to bring indigenous culture closer to the next generation.

Koichiro Kobayashi has won gold at the Paraclimbing World Championships 4 times in a row. He works to help people who are visually impaired take up climbing. What does the sport mean to him?

A young Rwandan female entrepreneur has had success producing and marketing beetroot wine and providing stable employment for local women. The program follows her battle to succeed in business.

Houriya Taheri, the Middle East's first FIFA A-licensed women's soccer coach, speaks on what women athletes in the region, whose participation has been limited, need to help them spread their wings.

Albert Lin is an award-winning explorer and scientist from California who is innovating technology to uncover hidden stories of history from lost civilizations and ancient ruins all over the world.

Terumo is a Japanese manufacturer of medical devices such as catheter-based solutions for the treatment of coronary arteries. Company CEO Sato Shinjiro talks about reducing the burden on patients.

Popular among the Berliners, "Kreuzberger Himmel" serves dishes from Syria and Afghanistan. Tölke opened this restaurant to provide occupations for refugees. We asked his principle in helping them.

Takeuchi Masahiko runs and funds a nonprofit that builds schools for the blind around the world. Takeuchi himself is visually impaired. We speak with him about his life's work.

Bartender Gokan Shingo was named 2017 International Bartender of the Year. He talks about the secrets behind his signature cocktails and what he loves about bar culture.

For many foreigners living in Japan, the language barrier is hard to overcome. Choi Sungja is an advisor at a cafe where foreigners become chefs, communicating with Japan through their native cuisine.

Director Iwaisawa Kenji won the top prize at the Ottawa International Animation Festival for his 2019 feature film. He talks about his hand-drawn approach and what he hopes to convey through his work.

The unique Green School in Indonesia founded by John Hardy and his wife Cynthia aims for a sustainable future. Favoring a progressive education, children and parents gather from all over the world.

COVID-19 is taking the world by storm and the struggle with the invisible enemy continues around the world. We sat down with Kawaoka Yoshihiro, Japan's leading virologist for his insight on the issue.

Yoshitake Shinsuke is one of Japan's best known children's book authors, the winner of multiple international prizes. He finds inspiration in aspects of kids' lives that grown-ups tend to ignore.

Ceramic artist Kuwata Takuro is known for using experimental procedures to produce startling, one-of-a-kind work. He has exhibited all over the world. He talks about his creative process.

Professor John Edmunds has dedicated his career to studying the spread of infectious diseases, and is one of the scientists advising the UK government on how to control the pandemic of coronavirus.

With UN work experience, Mary Balikungeri returned to Rwanda after the 1994 genocide to support women who had suffered greatly. She believes women have a new role to play in her country's development.

Hagiuda Megumi imports and sells African roses from Kenya as part of an effort to contribute to women's employment in the region. She talks about what roses mean to her, and what drives her.

Italy, pulmonologist Sergio Harari is on the frontline when it comes to treating coronavirus patients in Milan, even since it was declared a red zone and its population placed in isolation.

Professor Warwick McKibbin warned in late February, how human and economic losses would soar if governments didn't react to COVID-19. He addresses cooperation measures to overcome the global crisis.

Bernd Gaiser, a co-founder of Berlin CSD, talks about why he encourages coming out of the closet and how he came to set up a multi-generational housing project for those of any sexual orientation.

Alexis Mena, an urban farmer in Brooklyn organized a food bank to address the food crisis in his community with a "bottom-up" strategy. He is creating a resilient community with innovative food system.

Extreme weather around the world is causing an increase in major natural disasters. We ask Ishii Mieko, a nurse who has worked in several disaster zones, about how to save lives.

Richard H. Kaszynski formed a global network to rapidly conduct clinical drug trials in order to fight against infectious disease pandemics. He talks about a promising drug candidate for COVID-19.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Malaysia, Rashvin Singh and his team at his social enterprise wanted to make a difference and began producing face shields to help frontliners.

Folding@home led by Dr. Greg Bowman seeks a cure for COVID-19 with distributed computing. The American molecular biologist talks about the prospects connecting millions of participants and their PCs.

Health psychologist, Professor Susan Michie is advising the British government on how to help people change their behavior in a pandemic so as to control the spread of coronavirus.

In 2020, the huge swarms of desert locusts have invaded to the countries in East Africa. Mr. Cressman continues to warn about outbreak and talks about the way we should deal with what the nature makes.

Dr. Rob Gore is fighting the pandemic and healing the community in NY. He founded KAVI, an NPO to end violence and urban trauma and to make a better future for his unborn son.

Fashion designer Morinaga Kunihiko creates technologically innovative styles that no one has ever seen before. He tells us what motivates his work, and discusses the untapped potential of clothing.

Social entrepreneur Nakamoto Chizu started up a brand that makes colorful bags out of African fabrics. She talks about her vision of providing stable employment to Uganda's single mothers.

As the coronavirus strikes the world, South Korea's corona prevention measures are recognized as a success. Professor Ki Moran, the chief of COVID-19 task force is leading the success with the government.

Japanese violinist Lena Yokoyama performed on the rooftop of Cremona's hospital, as a tribute to healthcare workers and patients struggling through the coronavirus emergency.

Taavi Kotka of Estonia, an IT powerhouse with 99% of its government services available online, speaks on how engineering will shape our technological future.

Khaled Reshad's day job is running a local medical clinic in Japan, but he also works to build hospitals and schools in his home country of Afghanistan. We speak with Dr. Reshad about his work.

Yamami Koji creates award-winning kaleidoscopes that rise to the level of art. What sort of wizardry goes into crafting optical instruments that surprise and delight the eyes?

Minister Audrey Tang's IT measures against COVID-19 greatly contributed to Taiwan's successful containment of the virus. She is also a leading force behind Taiwan's digital democracy.

With a long experience of tackling viruses, Rwanda is striving to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Africa. Dr. Vedaste Ndahindwa tells us about the efforts and background of its infection control team.

Yamasaki Nobuyoshi's company produces items like food trays and garbage bags using a sustainable limestone-based material. He talks about its potential as an alternative to paper or plastic.

Pastor Okuda Tomoshi has been working with homeless people for over 30 years, helping 3,500 get back on their feet. He talks about what is necessary to create a society where no one is left ignored.

Guillaume Gomez, Head Chef at the Elysée Palace, French presidential residence delivered meals to medical staff together with other chefs who had to close their restaurants during lockdown.

Ishii Katsuyuki heads a manufacturer of custom sports wheelchairs used by top athletes competing in the Paralympic Games. He talks about design, craftsmanship and the secret to the company's success.

Illustrations by Estonian artist Eiko Ojala have appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide. His gorgeous paper-like graphic designs shine a penetrating light on modern society.

George Magnus is an economist, author and Associate at the China Centre, Oxford University. He believes that globalization is at a crossroads.

Nakajima Satoshi is a software engineer developing a free app for takeout orders that he designed to help businesses pushed to the verge of bankruptcy by the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nishimoto Yu-ki is an innovative practitioner of sumi-e (ink wash painting). His art -- which has incorporated video, CG and more -- is exceptionally dynamic, and he is always pushing himself further.

For 40 years, Gushiken Takamatsu has been excavating the remains of those who died in the Battle of Okinawa at the end of the Pacific War. He talks about lingering scars and the value of peace.

James Brining is the Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, north England. He endeavors to connect the community through theater.

Mitch Albom started his serial, "Human Touch," on April 2020. Proceeds from his e-book and audio that describe survivors in Detroit, funds his charity. He tells us more about hope for the future.

Buku Jalanan Chow Kit is a school co-founded by Siti Rahayu, who aims to provide education for poor and stateless children who live in the red light district of Malaysia.

Dominique Chen, known for his outstanding research in the field of information studies, talks about ways to achieve well-being through digital communications.

In 2013, Teshima Daisuke developed oral hygiene products that don't harm the body if swallowed. His innovative business model supports people with disabilities. We asked Teshima about his motivation.

Okahara Kosuke is known for award-winning photojournalism documenting the human condition in places like South America, Africa and China. He reflects on his humanistic approach.

With amazing economic growth in recent years, Rwanda has been pursuing a progressive ICT policy. The woman appointed Minister of ICT and Innovation at merely 35 talks about the future ICT offers.

Author of How Contagion Works, an essay on the science of infectious disease, physics PhD Paolo Giordano clarifies the issues we face and speaks on how to live in a post-pandemic world.

Saengduean Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, has devoted her life to caring for Asian elephants that were wounded while made to work as performance animals or in logging.

Wada Atsushi is an award-winning animator who plays with the concept of "ma," or "the space in between," building tension through contrasting movement and the absence of movement. What inspires him?

Fukunaga Takeshi's latest film, which is about the indigenous Ainu of Japan, received Special Jury Mention at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. What inspires him to tell stories of minority communities?

Anoushka Shankar is a sitarist, composer and producer who has won many awards in the world music scene. She is the daughter of Indian musician Ravi Shankar. She is also a social activist and feminist.

Robin Hanbury-Tenison is one of the greatest explorers of his era, and has traveled to remote areas of the world, where he has witnessed huge changes to the environment in the last 60 years.

Osawa Shuichi is a baker who won the 2019 Mondial du Pain, arguably the world's most prestigious breadmaking competition. He tells us how he crafts his top-class bread.

Ogawa Yoko's novel "The Memory Police" was shortlisted for the prestigious International Booker Prize in 2020. What are the major themes and motifs that characterize her work?

Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer, farmers in France, have quested for tomorrow's agriculture that reconstructs ecosystems, inspired by methods of ancient civilizations and latest scientific studies.

Earth Heir, a social enterprise in Malaysia is founded by Sasibai Kimis to empower the lives of marginalized communities, emphasizing on combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Larry Littlebird, a Native American elder/storyteller, founded Hamaatsa, a place to reconnect with nature with indigenous wisdom, by listening to nature and to each other in this challenging time.

For 3 long decades, Vosot Ikeida has been a hikikomori, locking himself in his room and avoiding human contact. Now, he wants to do something about it. His answer? Communication and connection.

Yamada Mio empowers Rwandan women to rise up from poverty. She talks about opening a Japanese restaurant in the Rwandan capital and ongoing efforts to support the women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A former German teacher who created a revolutionary system to provide people in developing countries with one-dollar glasses shares his thoughts on the meaning of sustainable social business.

A leader in the slow food movement, Paolo Di Croce speaks on how the current pandemic is changing the way we eat.

Jordi Faulí is the 9th head architect of the Sagrada Familia. He attempts to complete the building by 2026, 100 years after Gaudi's death. We look at the outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Ethiopia, one of the world's poorest countries, Samejima Hiroko founded a company that ethically produces high-quality leather handbags. She tells us the story of her unique products and business.

Akimoto Rina runs an online food market that directly connects farmers and fishers with consumers. She talks about her website and what she's doing to help food producers in the time of COVID-19.

GiGi's Playhouse supports people with Down Syndrome. 49 are in the U.S. and Mexico. 30,000 people use their program. We speak to founder Nancy Gianni as she continues her mission during COVID-19.

Fujiyama Taijyu is a practitioner of Tezuma, a uniquely Japanese art of illusion. He placed in the top 5 at the World Championships of Magic. We ask him about Tezuma's enduring appeal.

Hayashi Kaname has built Lovot, a companion robot whose main purpose is to encourage people to love -- just by being there. He explains how his pet-like creation can soothe us in these trying times.

Mr. Boyan Slat and his foundation's goal are getting rid of plastic waste from the oceans all over the world. They focus on developing technologies to achieve it. He adds support from people is key.

Dr. Anthony Back created a medical communication guide called Vital Talk. It helps practitioners better understand the emotions of patients and family, a matter of great importance in the COVID-19 era.

Saraya, a maker of health and hygiene products, has undertaken a massive "handwashing project" in Uganda that has helped to stop the spread of disease. We speak with company president Saraya Yusuke.

In 2020, Hiraide Kazuya received the prestigious Piolet d'Or mountaineering award for the third time -- the first such feat by a Japanese climber. What fuels his passion for ascending unclimbed routes?

Emmai Alaquiva discovers BLM also to the deaf and hard of hearing. He shows us this through his 59-second video "Unspeakable." He also talks about discrimination and the challenges ahead.

Dr. Blanche Wiesen Cook is a historian and an author of bestselling biography on Eleanor Roosevelt. In a time of global movements for human rights, we ask Dr. Cook how to achieve dignity for all.

Endo Ken is developing next-generation artificial limbs, including the world's best sports prosthetic and a robotic leg that reduces strain for those with disabilities. What is his vision for society?

Director Ladj Ly's film "Les Misérables" was a Jury Prize winner in Cannes Film Festival 2019. He tells us how we can overcome racism and poverty as BLM expands in France.

Londoner, Josie Naughton co-founded Help Refugees, a charity devoted to raising funds to help refugees and displaced people who are escaping war, persecution and poverty.

Lilian Thuram, a former football star who contributed to the victory of France in FIFA World Cup 1998, has fought with his foundation against racism through books, exhibitions and workshops since 2008.

Lee Ayu Chuepa, founder of Akha Ama Coffee and a member of Thailand's Akha ethnic minority, provides high-quality coffee to global consumers while protecting the livelihood of his community's farmers.

HARA is an illusionist who has performed live and on television in over 30 countries, winning numerous awards. We speak with him about how he strives to conjure up "magic that only I can do."

Graphic designer Shimada Tamotsu was chosen to design the official logo for the 2025 World Exposition to be held in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. What is the concept behind the eye-catching design?

Producer of hit musicals discusses how Broadway theaters should reopen safely and profitably in the COVID-19 era and respond to the Black Lives Matter movement by appealing to a more diverse audience.

The bicycles painstakingly crafted by Konno Shinichi offer superior technology and design. Japanese cyclists love them, and they've won multiple awards at international trade shows.

Purintei Merin performs Rakugo, a type of storytelling that has a more than 400-year history. She writes and delivers original pieces in both Japanese and English. Hear her story.

For former astronaut Chris Hadfield, life in self-isolation amid the pandemic is similar to that of an astronaut in space. He shares his tips on how to survive and thrive in the long-running pandemic.

Stella Jean has submitted action plans to the council to eliminate discrimination in the Italian fashion industry. In particular, she is struggling to give non-white youth a chance to get jobs.

Max Richter is one of the most successful composers in the contemporary music world. He has produced critically acclaimed albums of his own compositions, and also writes for films, ballet and opera.

In 2017, Fujiki Daichi became the first Asian countertenor to debut at the Vienna State Opera. What does he wish to convey to audiences through his dazzling performances?

Sociology professor James Nolan warns of the danger to society of an unchecked technological mindset. His new book explores the complicity of doctors in covering up the dangers of the atom bomb.

Kogenji Ryota is a world champion pole dancer who was named Mr. Pole Dance 2020. How does he come up with his routines, for which audiences have described him as being like a floating white fairy?

Dr. Claire Wardle is on a mission to help the global public understand the dangers of disinformation and misinformation, which have proliferated with the rise of social media and now the coronavirus.

Mounir Biba, multiple world champion of Breaking, runs the project about breaking and coaching to support young people. He also contributed to the promotion of Breaking for Olympic sports inclusion.

Yukari Suzuki has been working for reconciliation between the Dutch, Japanese and Indonesian. How can people transcend division through dialogue?

Nodoka Okisawa is one of the world's most buzzed-about young conductors. In 2019 she won the prestigious International Besançon Competition. We speak to her about her musical passions.

Nishimura Satoshi is developing an original electric car concept, as well as a microscope that can perform high-res imaging of living organisms. He talks about the philosophy of making things.

Wendy Kopp heads "Teach For All." Its network independent partners recruit recent graduates to teach for a 2-year mission. These NGOs operate in 59 countries providing quality education in challenging places and even during COVID-19.

Fashion designer Agnès b., who has long supported artists and continued various social activities, recently opened new art gallery in Paris. She talks about the power of art in society.